Psychotherapy is the process of helping people with issues related to mental distress, emotional difficulties, or psychological pain. It is also known as talk therapy as the process involves personal interactions between the client and therapist that is intended to help the person identify and change troubling thoughts, emotions, and behaviour.
To learn and understand more about psychotherapy, what better way is there than to speak with a psychotherapist?
Meet Evone Phoo, a clinical psychologist at MindFi who specialises in psychotherapy for adults. As a clinical psychologist, Evone commonly works with clients who are struggling with everyday struggles such as stress, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, as well as those with mental disorders.
Evone has always been interested in the human mind since she was a teenager. For her, there is a whole universe in the human’s mind – it’s vast, and mysterious; and there is always more to be explored and understood.
As a psychologist who has been teaching for the past 8 years, Evone is always passionate to share about psychological concepts that help us to understand ourselves and each other better.
“I think as we are moving towards a more health conscious culture in many parts of the world, mental health is getting more awareness as a crucial factor for us to live a life that is more meaningful and fulfilling. It excites me to be in the field of psychology because this is where I can continuously learn and explore with each client who comes along,” she added.
We’ve spent some time with Evone to find out more about psychotherapy;
Why should a person go for psychotherapy?
I think it is a common myth when people think that only people with mental disorders or even, ‘crazy’ or ‘problematic’, would go for psychotherapy. In actual fact, people go for psychotherapy for various reasons – daily stress, relationships struggles, family issues, grief and loss – just to name a few.
What to expect in a psychotherapy session?
Depending on each therapist’s approach, the focus and direction of the sessions might be different. But in general, you are encouraged to share freely regarding the concerns that bring you to the session. The therapist might ask questions to understand you and your issues better, and from there, the therapist will attempt to help you using the approach that he/she subscribes to. A therapist does not prescribe medication, and mainly uses talk therapy in sessions.
How long should a psychotherapy session be?
A psychotherapy session typically lasts 50 to 60 minutes. Weekly sessions are common, though some therapy approaches might encourage more than one session a week.
What is your advice to get the most out of psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy takes time as it attempts to address underlying issues. Hence, it will be good to try at least a few sessions before deciding if it works for you. It is also a collaborative effort between you and your therapist, so your willingness to engage in the sessions may help.
What is your process for preparing for a session with a client?
I try to minimize interruptions from external and internal distractions during my sessions. It is important for me to hold that space – not just physical space, but mental space, for my clients.
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We also wanted to know more about Evone personally;
How do you separate work and personal time to maintain your mental health and overall wellbeing?
I have peers whom I can go to, to process and reflect on how my work affects me. I think it is good to have someone to check in with from time to time, especially in our line of work, to remind us when our own wellbeing is out of balance.
What is your go-to solace in stressful or challenging times?
Having someone to talk to certainly helps. Sometimes I would like some personal space too – perhaps a cup of coffee at a quiet corner with some favourite music.
Who is your inspiration and why?
The everyday people who come along at different phases of my life and growth as a person, and as a clinical psychologist; who in their own ways, shape my understanding and experience of human beings.
What is a fun fact (or hidden talent) about you?
Not really a hidden talent – but I enjoy baking.
What is your favourite pastime?
I like movies. I think good movies inspire thinking, and convey certain truths and ways of life – such as those by Terrence Malick, Giuseppe Tornatore, and Paolo Sorrentino, just to name a few.
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Evone is a clinical psychologist who started practising in 2014. She sees clients with concerns regarding relationship, family, and work; as well as adults who face challenges such as depression and anxiety. She works within the Existential and Psychoanalytic framework in psychotherapy, and is also well-versed in other brief therapy approaches.
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